The Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, has begun a visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by the foreign, defence, economy and health ministers and a large business delegation. The main purpose of the visit is to strengthen economic cooperation and political dialogue, particularly with regard to Slovenia's presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2008.
At the airport, PM Janez Janša was welcomed by the Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr Hashim bin Abdullah bin Hashim Al-Yamani (Photo: BOBO)
On the first day of the visit the PM met HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They discussed economic cooperation between the two countries, and the PM presented to the host the opportunities Slovenia can provide to the Saudi economy. They agreed that the meetings held by the Prime Minister on this visit, the business conference and the two agreements signed today provide a solid basis for more concrete cooperation. The Crown Prince stressed that Saudi Arabia sees this as a historic day for the development of relations between the two countries and they both confirmed a mutual interest in intensifying political dialogue.
The PM and the Crown Prince also discussed cooperation in the Western Balkans, where Slovenia welcomes the constructive role of Saudi Arabia in the region, particularly in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. The contribution of Saudi Arabia is significant both from the humanitarian point of view and to stabilise the situation in the region. With regard to Slovenia's presidency of the EU, the PM expressed an interest in exchanging views on key geostrategic issues, including energy safety and inter-cultural dialogue.
Prime Minister Janez Janša and HRH Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Photo: BOBO)
On this occasion the Minister of the Economy, Andrej Vizjak, signed a comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dimitrij Rupel, signed a Memorandum of Agreement between both foreign ministries.
Tomorrow the PM will meet the Governor of Riyadh, Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and will be received by the King and Prime Minister Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The Prime Minister will also participate at the opening of a Saudi-Slovenian business conference, which will be attended by the more than 60-strong business delegation representing over 40 Slovenian companies.
